With the two new iPhones already available for purchase, Google knows exactly what it needs to go up against Apple of this world.

As we bid adieu to September and enter the month of October, we are technically entering the smartphone month. In October, we will see the official launch of Razer Phone 2, LG V40 ThinQ, Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, OnePlus 6T, HMD Global’s Nokia 7.1 among others.

With the V40 ThinQ, LG is going after numbers to introduce a smartphone with five cameras in total. OnePlus, on the other hand, is preparing an incremental update to OnePlus 6 with in-display fingerprint sensor, that is certain to leave a lot of its fans in splits next month. As far as Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are concerned, the sentiment so far has ranged from excitement to disappointment. With the two new iPhones already available for purchase, Google knows exactly what it needs to go up against Apple of this world.

Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL: Launch date

Google has already confirmed that it will launch its next generation flagship smartphone on October 9. The launch event is scheduled to take place in New York but Google is also planning additional events in London, Paris and few other markets as Pixel brand gains consumer attention. This is the third year that Google is launching smartphones that have its own engineering, both in hardware and software. And yes, we do think that a lot has already leaked about the upcoming devices.

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Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL: Rumored specifications and design

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, ahead of their launch, have seen leaks ranging from Russian bloggers putting out complete details including camera samples and someone leaving behind a prototype device in the backseat of a Lyft cab. While Google is expected to launch two devices, the larger Pixel 3 XL has been the victim of most leaks and also the most controversial device.

The leaks so far indicate that Google Pixel 3 XL will get a notch while the Pixel 3 won’t have one. In the past, the Pixel and Pixel XL have been nearly identical in terms of design except for their size. This time around, Google seems to be planning major changes for both the products, by including a notch.

The image of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL side by side posted by Evan Blass confirms that Pixel 3 XL have a big and deep notch, unlike any other Android smartphone. The notch is flanked by dual front cameras, which will be another surprise addition this year. The Pixel 3, on the other hand, sticks to a traditional design with thin bezels and a visible forehead and chin.

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In terms of features, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are said to feature full glass back design, allowing for wireless charging. The top half of the back is said to feature glossy finish with the lower half getting a matte finish. The leaks also confirm that the fingerprint sensor will be placed on the back of the device while the front will now include dual camera setup. There will also be dual front-facing stereo speaker setup, like last year’s model.

The Pixel 3 XL is also said to get new display that will be much better than the one seen on last year’s model. German news site WinFuture.de claims that Google has roped in Foxconn as partner for building a new display hardware. One of the most surprising decision seems to be the idea to stick with single rear camera setup.

All the leaks hint at Google offering only one camera at the back while its rivals are talking about adding as much as five camera to the rear module. However, looking at the potential of Google’s camera algorithm, the single rear camera could produce pictures that will be better than those produced by dual cameras on most smartphones. With Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Google is reportedly planning to include wired Pixel Buds-style USB Type-C headphones, which will be a welcome change.

Watch: Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max First Look Video

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are expected to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC and will bring second generation Pixel Visual Core for HDR processing on the device. All these leaks, however, need to be taken with a grain of salt, considering their shady origin.

Google Pixel Ultra: Is this a reality

Google is also said to be planning a third smartphone, dubbed Pixel Ultra for its October 9 event. Droid Life reports that Google had three new Pixel phones planned for 2018 and the Pixel Ultra will be high-end smartphone with edge-to-edge display and Google’s challenger to the $1,000 iPhone Xs.

Google has reportedly collected videos from YouTubers which trash the idea of a notch and especially the design of leaked Pixel 3 XL. It is not clear why Google would take footage that are against its own design language. Google’s hardware division is now headed by Rick Osterloh and considering his reputation, the search giant might definitely have a surprise or two planned this year.

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Google Pixel Stand: A wireless charger turned into smart display

Alongside Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Google is also expected to launch Pixel Stand as a new accessory. The Pixel Stand is tipped to be a wireless charger with Google Assistant baked into it. The Pixel Stand’s leaked interface suggest it will be capable of turning the connected Pixel smartphone into an Assistant-powered smart display. It will show notifications, music playback and even act as digital photo frame that shows recent images from Google Photos.